FRESNO — A former employee is suing a tress business, alleging disability discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination and defamation.
Andrew Gilley filed a complaint Sept. 13 in Fresno County Superior Court against Trees Inc., Manuel Arroyo and Does 1-20, alleging they breached their duties of good faith and fair dealing.
According to the complaint, Gilley, who began working for Trees on March 15, 2016, suffered economic damages including severe emotional distress, humiliation, embarrassment and mental anguish on Sept. 23, 2016. The suit says this resulted from discriminatory actions of the defendant following an accident that Gilley sustained while at work when he was hit in the head by a falling log.
The suit says Gilley received a written disciplinary notice for violation of safety policies and termination of employment thereafter, without legal basis.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to adopt and enforce its anti-discrimination policy, failed to thoroughly investigate plaintiff's complaints of discrimination, and failed to explore other options to accommodate the plaintiff's work restrictions.
Gilley seeks trial by jury, general, special and punitive damages, interest, reinstatement to his job, costs of suit, attorney fees and all relief the court may deem just and proper. He is represented by attorney Amanda B. Whitten of Bryant Whitten LLP in Fresno.
Fresno County Superior Court case number 170ECGO3161